Dataset of "6R-TaS₂ Anchored on Mo Foil as a Robust Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution"

Affordable and durable HER catalysts are critical for sustainable hydrogen production. We report electrochemically exfoliated TaS2 nanosheets, predominantly in the metallic 6R phase, anchored on conductive Mo foil. The optimized hybrid (0.8 mg TaS2) initiates HER at −0.06 V vs RHE and reaches −10 mA cm⁻² at only 115 mV overpotential. Fast kinetics (Tafel 68 mV dec⁻¹), low charge transfer resistance, and high active surface area (~5.5 cm²) account for its superior activity and durability (22% loss after 40,000 s). Compared to TaS2 drop cast on glassy carbon, the Mo substrate boosts performance by facilitating electron transport and proton adsorption. This work demonstrates substrate engineering combined with metallic TMD phases as a scalable route to high performance, earth abundant HER catalysts. Beyond performance, this study highlights the largely unexplored potential of the 6R polymorph, whose intrinsic metallicity and distinct stacking offer new opportunities for interface engineering in 2D electrocatalysts.